Monroe Officials Celebrating Good Audit

MONROE, La. (AP) — Auditors say the city of Monroe had one of its best audits in recent history and its eighth straight surplus.

The News-Star reports that a $147,000 surplus for fiscal 2011 brings its overall fund balance to $14 million.

CPA Francis Huffman said the only problem was a continuing sewer fund deficit. Mayor Jamie Mayo says about $2.5 million in water fund surplus money was used to reduce the $5 million sewer fund deficit.

He says a longtime solution is needed, so the city will have to raise sewer rates.

Consultants recommended an increase from $9.16 a month to $14.20 per month city residents who use up to 4,000 gallons a month, and from $13.74 to $21.32 for people who live outside the city and use that much.